With that, Sadie quickly turned to summon the other two girls who had come with Victoria, and they all departed the scene with heavy hearts.
As the event neared its conclusion, Scarlett suddenly remembered Victoria and her clique.
She looked around and saw no trace of them. Anxious, she approached Hannah and inquired, Ms. Moore, did Victoria and her friends really leave?
Hannah, seemingly unsurprised by Victorias absence, reassured her, Yes, your confrontation with her is off. She wont be troubling you anymore.
Scarletts eyes widened in surprise as she pondered Hannahs tactics. Ms. Moore, how did you manage to dissuade her from the bet?
Being careful not to disclose her acquaintance with Pierson, Hannah fabricated a plausible explanation on the spot.
I had a look at Piersons schedule and realized hes tied up with commitments here in Valmere. Its unlikely hed risk his reputation for a minor dispute, even with a company hes working with. I figured hed most likely not show, which is why I gave you an assurance, Hannah explained.
Scarlett was taken aback, her expression one of disbelief. Really?
Thats the situation, Hannah replied with a shrug.
Scarlett blinked, struggling to align this reality with Hannahs fanciful explanation.
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Wasnt it supposed to be like she had imagined, where Ms. Moore and the celebrity were acquaintances,
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.
and the celebrity would swoop in to save the day?
Noticing that Scarlett was daydreaming, Hannah playfully tapped her on the forehead, bringing her back to reality. Snap out of it, what are you imagining?
Scarlett covered her head and stuck out her tongue, looking a bit sheepish.
I really wasnt thinking about anything honestly!
Hannah gave her some advice. Lets forget about this ordeal. If you see Victoria at school, its best not to mention this incident to avoid provoking her.
I have no desire to provoke her, but its strange, she loses her temper whenever your name comes up, Ms. Moore. She cant stop slandering you!
Scarlett responded.
Dont listen to such nonsense. I doubt shell trouble you again, Hannah reassured her.
Alright, Ill take your advice, Ms. Moore!
With the matter settled, Hannah watched the students head back to school and then called Dotson to pick her up.
While she waited, her phone rang. It was Maloney on the other end.
As she answered, Maloneys voice came through clearly, You were right. The leaker is dodging a meeting. I pushed them by threatening not to buy the patent unless professionals were there to explain it. I also said that if the patent is authentic, I will raise my offer to buy it. Given Clives influence, they didnt suspect a thing. Driven by greed, theyve agreed to meet tomorrow evening at the Rising Bar.
They had walked into the trap easily, without even a hint of caution.
Ive got it. Once I find out whos behind this, Ill make sure our entire institute comes to see who this person really is! Hannah responded.